Cole's Mistake (Haven, Texas 8)

Arabella looked aghast as her father grabbed Cole’s arm and tried to drag him away. Keira slid out of the booth, followed by Julian, as Cole shook off the old man’s hand.

“I’m not in some sort of cult. And my relationship with Julian and Keira is none of your business. Both of you need to leave now. I want nothing more to do with either of you.”

Arabella blanched, and Keira felt sorry for her. It was obvious she’d rather be anywhere but there. Cole tugged her into his side. Hank’s beady eyes went from Cole to Keira to Julian.

“Hey, I know the two of you! You used to be Cole’s PA. You think you can get hold of his money, is that it?” he sneered at Keira. “Thought I’d gotten rid of the two of you years ago.”

Cole stepped forward and got into Hank’s face. “Got rid of them? What does that mean? Are you saying you were behind those photos that were taken of us? Not Johnson?”

Bridges laughed, but it sounded nervous. Scared. “Johnson couldn’t take a piss without someone holding his dick. Of course it was me. And it fucking worked. Until you abandoned everything and everyone to come to this hick town. Your father would be fucking ashamed of you.”

Cole smiled. It wasn’t a pleasant smile and the other man blanched. “Thank you for the compliment, but it’s not going to save you from my wrath. I’m going to make you pay for what you did, Hank. In ways you could not even imagine. I want you to listen to me well, do not ever come near any of us again. Got me?”

Hank nodded so hard and fast she was worried he’d give himself whiplash.

“Now get the fuck out of my town.”

Hank turned and waddled through the diner as people stared at him.

“I’m so sorry. I tried to stop him,” Arabella said quietly.

“It’s okay, I know you had nothing to do with this,” Cole told her.

“Arabella! Let’s get the fuck out of this depraved fucking town!” Hank turned at the door and waggled his finger at Cole. “You’re just like that pervert brother of yours.”

Cole grinned. “Why, thank you. But let’s not tell him that. His ego is already enormous.”

Hank left, Arabella trailing behind him.

And everyone cheered.

Thank fuck he’d already told them about Arabella.

Cole turned to Julian and Keira. He waited to feel horrified that his personal business was out there for everyone to see. But that feeling never came. Huh. That was surprising. Yet freeing too.

“I’m so sorry. I had no idea he would do that, I—”

Keira reached up on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. He really should scold her for her penchant for interrupting him by kissing him.

Yeah, like he was going to do that.

“That was hot,” she told him.

Julian just snorted and sat down. “It was something.”

“I really did break it off with her.”

“We know,” Keira told him.

“Hank always was a bit thick,” Julian snarked, pulling Keira in against him. Cole sat on her other side.

Doris, the waitress, walked up and slammed a plate in front of Cole. “You deserve this.”

He stared down at the plate of meat loaf and mashed potatoes. “What is this?”

Keira grinned. “I think it’s the special.”

“I was really looking forward to the burger.”